Arnold’s Clear Message: Hussein Ready or Not for Iraq’s Indonesia Showdown

Ahead of the Iraq–Indonesia Clash

Australian coach Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraq national football team, expressed strong optimism ahead of the highly anticipated AFC World Cup qualifier against Indonesia, stressing that his squad remains focused and disciplined and that all players are ready at 100% to deliver a performance worthy of Iraqi football.

In a Friday press conference, Arnold thanked the media for attending and said everyone in the staff and players shares the excitement and the desire to help the team reach the World Cup.

This match represents a pivotal moment in the qualifiers; the team has waited a long time for this chance and now expects to start with full readiness to secure a positive result.

The coach noted that the squad trained intensively in recent days, focusing on physical and mental preparation, with discipline inside the camp at an all-time high and players fully aware of the responsibility on their shoulders.

There is only one training session left before kick-off, during which technical details and tactical plans will be refined. Arnold said there is little room for drastic changes and emphasized mental focus and precise execution.

Arnold also recalled his experiences in decisive World Cup qualifiers, saying such games require careful, measured steps. He noted that the journey to the World Cup is never easy and the team should approach the next two matches one at a time, keeping focus on Indonesia.

On Ayman Hussein’s fitness, Arnold said the medical staff will decide today on his availability after the final training. He stressed that they want all players ready at 100% and that the decision will depend on the last training session.

The atmosphere inside the camp is positive and the team spirit stands out, with everyone working toward the shared goal of lifting Iraqi fans and moving closer to the World Cup.

Arnold also expressed respect for Indonesia, a well-organized side with quality players, but the focus remains on Iraq’s plan and execution to demonstrate a strong identity and a winning mindset.

Rebin Sulaka said the team is fully prepared and hopeful for a great match and three points.

Indonesia lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabia in the first round of Group B of the AFC playoff; Iraq will face Saudi in the final group match on Tuesday to close the AFC playoff. The group winner qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up plays the winner of Group 1 to determine who advances to the global playoff. Iraq will wear white, while Indonesia will wear red.

Kick-off colors aside, the stakes are clear: a win could seal Iraq’s World Cup path, while a loss could complicate the playoff route ahead.